Los Angeles(Thechieftainspear) –To the average baseball fan, the “Los Angeles Angels” name might seem fitting, given the proximity to L.A. But for Anaheim locals, it’s a frustrating reminder of a long-standing identity crisis — one that Mayor Ashleigh Aitken is eager to resolve.
In a candid open letter to Angels owner Arte Moreno, released on the day of the team’s 2025 home opener, Mayor Aitken called on the franchise to fully acknowledge its real home: Anaheim.
“Celebrate Anaheim’s rich history and contributions to the region by prominently recognizing it as the team’s home and partner,” the letter stated.
Beyond the push to return the franchise’s name to “Anaheim Angels,” Aitken used the letter to highlight the city’s desire for a more collaborative and transparent relationship with team leadership — something she said has been lacking.
“I currently have no meaningful relationship with the ownership of the Angels,” Aitken wrote. “I want to change that.”
She expressed frustration with the team’s vague responses regarding its long-term plans in Anaheim, especially as questions have arisen over the maintenance and safety of Angel Stadium — Major League Baseball’s fourth-oldest ballpark.
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To begin rebuilding trust, Aitken outlined several proposals, including:
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Establishing an honest, good-faith relationship between the team and the city
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Granting full inspection access to the stadium and ensuring a transparent flow of information
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Engaging in a public process to meet legal requirements like the Surplus Land Act
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Conducting community outreach to hear from residents about their vision for the stadium site
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Providing regular public updates to maintain transparency
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Committing to local workforce involvement through a community work agreement
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Investing in Anaheim neighborhoods, schools, parks, affordable housing, and workforce development
The Angels acknowledged the mayor’s message in a brief statement to the Los Angeles Times:
“We appreciate Mayor Aitken’s letter and the desire to strengthen the relationship between the city and Angels Baseball. We look forward to Opening Day and the future of Angels Baseball in Anaheim.”
The team has played at Angel Stadium since 1966. The city of Anaheim owns the ballpark, while the Angels operate it. Notably, the team doesn’t pay rent under the current agreement and recently extended its lease through 2032 — with the option to stay rent-free through 2038.
A previous attempt in 2020 to sell the stadium and surrounding land to a company tied to Moreno for $325 million was scrapped amid a corruption probe involving then-Mayor Harry Sidhu.
Now, with a fresh season underway, the Angels are 4-2 following a successful road trip and are aiming for their first winning season in a decade. Despite producing multiple MVPs in Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, the team has failed to reach the playoffs in recent years — a stark contrast to the success of their nearby rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Mayor Aitken’s push comes at a time when many fans and city residents hope the Angels can chart a new path — one that brings pride back to Anaheim, both on the field and in name.
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